The expansion of Canada’s oil sands industry—one of the most polluting energy sources on the planet—represents a huge environmental challenge. And, as the documentary Pipelines, Power and Democracy makes all too clear, when it comes to fossil fuels, political power doesn’t always lie where we think it does.

From the hallways of Quebec’s National Assembly, where parliamentary power resides, to campaigns waged by environmental defence groups and big activist-led media splashes, director Olivier D. Asselin follows the journeys of four people who each adopt their own tactics to effect change. All are involved in the fight against TransCanada’s proposed oil tanker terminal at Cacouna, Quebec, a battle that mobilized people concerned about protecting the St. Lawrence River.

With extraordinary access to activists and political circles, the film documents the growth of an anti-pipeline movement over the course of two years, a movement that rekindled a sense of collective purpose and solidarity.

Driven by an energetic soundtrack, Pipelines, Power and Democracy propels us into the midst of an urgent battle being fought against those who embrace economic growth at any cost—while the fate of the planet hangs in the fragile balance.